US5377736A - Driven axle vehicle inflation system - Google Patents

Driven axle vehicle inflation system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US5377736A
US5377736A US08/154,066 US15406693A US5377736A US 5377736 A US5377736 A US 5377736A US 15406693 A US15406693 A US 15406693A US 5377736 A US5377736 A US 5377736A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
axle
air
sleeve
sealing
passageway
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US08/154,066
Inventor
Clyde G. Stech
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Pressure Systems International LLC
Original Assignee
Marks RMS Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Marks RMS Inc filed Critical Marks RMS Inc
Priority to US08/154,066 priority Critical patent/US5377736A/en
Assigned to MARKS-RMS, INC. reassignment MARKS-RMS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: STECH, CLYDE G.
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US5377736A publication Critical patent/US5377736A/en
Assigned to EQUALAIRE SYSTEMS, INC. reassignment EQUALAIRE SYSTEMS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MARKS-RMS, INC.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Assigned to PRESSURE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, LLC reassignment PRESSURE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: EQUALAIRE SYSTEMS, INC.
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60C—VEHICLE TYRES; TYRE INFLATION; TYRE CHANGING; CONNECTING VALVES TO INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIES IN GENERAL; DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES
    • B60C23/00—Devices for measuring, signalling, controlling, or distributing tyre pressure or temperature, specially adapted for mounting on vehicles; Arrangement of tyre inflating devices on vehicles, e.g. of pumps or of tanks; Tyre cooling arrangements
    • B60C23/001—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving
    • B60C23/003—Devices for manually or automatically controlling or distributing tyre pressure whilst the vehicle is moving comprising rotational joints between vehicle-mounted pressure sources and the tyres

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a central tire inflation system and in particular to such an air inflation system for supplying air through a driven axle of a vehicle through a rotatable coupling.
  • CTIS central tire inflation systems
  • the present invention is particularly useful for providing a rotatable air coupling for supplying air through the driven axle of a vehicle to tires thereon.
  • the present invention is directed to an air inflation system for tires on a vehicle having at least one driven axle with at least one pneumatic tire at each end of each axle in which the vehicle includes an air supply.
  • the system includes an air line connected to the air supply and the axle includes a longitudinally extending air passageway therein and a radially extending air passage connected to the longitudinal passage and extending out of the side of the axle.
  • An air connection is provided between the longitudinal air passageway and each tire at the end of the axle.
  • a rotatable air coupling is connected between the air line and the radially extending air passageway and includes a stationary tubular sleeve surrounding the axle and having a port in fluid communication with the air line.
  • First and second seal means are respectively positioned at and seal against opposite ends of the sleeve.
  • the first and second seal means are rotatable with the axle and sealingly engage the axle.
  • Means are provided biasing the first and second seal means into sealing engagement with the sleeve.
  • first and second seal means include beveled sealing surfaces and the ends of the sleeve include coacting beveled ends whereby the sleeve is supported off of the axle.
  • the biasing means include first and second rings respectively positioned adjacent to and connected to the first and second sealing means.
  • the rings are secured to and rotate with the axle and spring means are positioned between the first and second rings and the first and second seal means, respectively.
  • the sleeve is metal and the seal means include graphite sealing surfaces.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective elevational view of the present invention installed in a truck-trailer
  • FIG. 2 is an end elevational view illustrating the connection of the air control system to the two tires of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, in cross section, illustrating the air connection through a driven axle
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged, exploded and fragmentary elevational view of the rotatable air coupling of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged, cross-sectional view, of the air coupling of FIG. 4, and
  • FIG. 6 is a an enlarged elevational view illustrating the control system of the present invention.
  • the reference numeral 10 generally indicates a conventional vehicle, such as an eighteen wheel truck-trailer, having a plurality of axles, only one of which, such as driven axle 12 driven by a differential 15, is shown with wheels having pneumatic tires.
  • axle 12 includes two tires 16 and 18.
  • vehicle 10 also includes an air supply line 24 (FIG. 6) from a pump and air tank (not shown) for supplying air pressure to the brakes on the vehicle 10.
  • the above description of a vehicle 10 with pneumatic tires and a conventional air supply system is well known.
  • the present invention is directed to providing an air control system 30 which is continuously connected to the pneumatic tires including the tires 16 an 18 on the vehicle 10 to provide an equal pressure thereby improving the safety of the vehicle 10 and operator, and to provide even and long life of the expensive tires.
  • the air control system of the present invention is directed to providing air to each tire from the fixed air control system 30 through a rotatable coupling for allowing rotation of the tires such as 16 and 18 while connected to the air control system 30, and further to provide such a system through the driven axles, such as 12, of the vehicle 10.
  • the air control system includes the air supply 24 which may have 120 psi air pressure, which may be connected to a manual off-on valve 42 for connecting or disconnecting the air control system, and a regulator 36.
  • the air pressure regulator may be of any conventional type and is typically set at between 100-110 psi cold setting as this is the normal air pressure carried in the truck-trailer tires of an eighteen wheeler truck-trailer.
  • One satisfactory type of air regulator is Model 56-110 sold by Air Dirco.
  • the system 30 may include an unloader valve 46 which is normally open but closes in the event that the output air pressure from the pressure regulator 36 falls below a predetermined value.
  • the unloader valve is normally open for supplying air to all of the tires and has a predetermined set point pressure lower than the predetermined outlet pressure and the unloader valve closes on a drop in outlet pressure of the air supply below the predetermined set point thereby shutting off air to all of the tires for preventing further loss of air from the air supply and opens upon an increase in outlet pressure of the air supply above the predetermined set point. This prevents loss of supply air thereby protecting the air supply 24 and allowing it to maintain sufficient air pressure to actuate the air brakes on the vehicle 10.
  • One suitable unloader valve is No. 3X818, sold by Control Devices, Inc.
  • the air line 38 provides the outlet air from the control system 30 to all of the tires.
  • the axle 12 includes a coaxially longitudinally extending air passage 20 therein extending from the end 21 of the axle 12 to preferably midway through the axle 12.
  • a radially extending air passage 13 is connected to the longitudinal passageway 20 and extends out of the side of the driven axle 12.
  • a rotatable air coupling is connected between the air line 38 and the radially extending air passageway 13.
  • the rotatable air coupling generally includes a stationary tubular sleeve 22 surrounding the driven axle 12 and having a port 23 in fluid communication with the air line 38.
  • the tubular sleeve 22 has an interior 27 spaced from the exterior of the driven axle 12 and is supported from the vehicle 10 by the air line connection 38.
  • the sleeve 22 is metal and includes beveled ends 24 and 25, preferably hardened with a mirror finish.
  • a first seal means 26 and a second seal means 28 are respectively positioned at opposite ends of the sleeve 22 and rotate with the axle 12 and sealingly engage the axle 12 such as by O-rings 40.
  • the seal means 26 and 28 include beveled sealing surfaces 50 and 52 for coacting with the beveled surfaces 24 and 25, respectively, of the sleeve 22.
  • the beveled sealing surfaces 50 and 52 are of a good sealing but slidable surface such as graphite.
  • the coacting beveled surfaces 50, 52, 24 and 25 act to center and support the sleeve 22 off of the axle 12.
  • Air from the control system 30 passes to line 38 which is in communication with the interior of the sleeve 22 to the port 23 and thus in communication with the air passageways 13 and 20 for supplying air to the tires 16 and 18. While the sleeve 22 is stationary, the rotating sleeves 26 and 28 maintain a sealing engagement with the opposite ends of the sleeve 22 as well as a sealing engagement with the exterior of the driven axle 12 to provide a long lasting rotating air coupling.
  • the air connection includes a tee 70 having a first 72 and a second 74 similar tire connections for two tires, such as 16 and 18.
  • a connection 51 consisting preferably of a male 76 and female 78 connectible and disconnectible coupling for conveniently disconnecting the tire 16 from the system 30 for repair or replacement.
  • the tire connection 72 includes a pressure test valve stem 80 for testing the air in the tire 16.
  • a flexible hose 82 completes the connection 51 to the valve stem of the outside of the tire 16.
  • a conventional check valve such as Model MJCV-1, sold by Control Devices, Inc. is included in the male connector 76.
  • Tire connection 74 to the inside wheel 18 is also connected to the tee 54 and includes similar parts to those in the tire connection to the tire 16 which are similarly numbered with the addition of the suffix "a".

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Tires In General (AREA)

Abstract

An air inflation system for tires on a vehicle having at least one driven axle in which the axle includes a longitudinal extending air passageway connected to each tire at the end of the axle and a rotatable air coupling connected between an air line and the air passageway. The coupling includes a stationary tubular sleeve surrounding the axle and first and second seals, respectively, at opposite ends of the sleeve in which the seals rotate with the axle and sealingly engage the axle. The seals are biased into engagement with the sleeve. Preferably, the ends of the sleeve and the coacting seals include beveled sealing surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a central tire inflation system and in particular to such an air inflation system for supplying air through a driven axle of a vehicle through a rotatable coupling.
It is known that tires on a vehicle, such as a truck trailer, should be properly inflated for ease of control of the vehicle, its safety, and to provide even wear and long life of the expensive tires. Various types of central tire inflation systems (CTIS) have been suggested in the past. However, one of the problems is to supply the air from a stationary air control system through a rotatable and sealable coupling for allowing rotation of the vehicle wheels while connected to the air control system.
The present invention is particularly useful for providing a rotatable air coupling for supplying air through the driven axle of a vehicle to tires thereon.
SUMMARY
The present invention is directed to an air inflation system for tires on a vehicle having at least one driven axle with at least one pneumatic tire at each end of each axle in which the vehicle includes an air supply. The system includes an air line connected to the air supply and the axle includes a longitudinally extending air passageway therein and a radially extending air passage connected to the longitudinal passage and extending out of the side of the axle. An air connection is provided between the longitudinal air passageway and each tire at the end of the axle. A rotatable air coupling is connected between the air line and the radially extending air passageway and includes a stationary tubular sleeve surrounding the axle and having a port in fluid communication with the air line. First and second seal means are respectively positioned at and seal against opposite ends of the sleeve. The first and second seal means are rotatable with the axle and sealingly engage the axle. Means are provided biasing the first and second seal means into sealing engagement with the sleeve.
Yet a still further object is wherein the inside of the tubular sleeve is spaced from the exterior of the axle.
A still further object is wherein the first and second seal means include beveled sealing surfaces and the ends of the sleeve include coacting beveled ends whereby the sleeve is supported off of the axle.
Yet a further object is wherein the biasing means include first and second rings respectively positioned adjacent to and connected to the first and second sealing means. The rings are secured to and rotate with the axle and spring means are positioned between the first and second rings and the first and second seal means, respectively. Yet a further object of the present invention is wherein the sleeve is metal and the seal means include graphite sealing surfaces.
Other and further objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, given for the purpose of disclosure and taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, perspective elevational view of the present invention installed in a truck-trailer,
FIG. 2 is an end elevational view illustrating the connection of the air control system to the two tires of FIG. 1,
FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view, in cross section, illustrating the air connection through a driven axle,
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, exploded and fragmentary elevational view of the rotatable air coupling of the present invention,
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary enlarged, cross-sectional view, of the air coupling of FIG. 4, and
FIG. 6 is a an enlarged elevational view illustrating the control system of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
While the present invention will be described in use as employing the central tire inflation system similar to that described in copending patent application, Ser. No. 07/951,297, filed Sep. 22, 1992, entitled Air Control System for Pneumatic Tires on a Vehicle, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,906 and which is incorporated herein by reference, for convenience, it is to be understood that the present invention may be used with other and various types of central tire inflation systems.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 10 generally indicates a conventional vehicle, such as an eighteen wheel truck-trailer, having a plurality of axles, only one of which, such as driven axle 12 driven by a differential 15, is shown with wheels having pneumatic tires. Thus, axle 12 includes two tires 16 and 18. Such a vehicle 10 also includes an air supply line 24 (FIG. 6) from a pump and air tank (not shown) for supplying air pressure to the brakes on the vehicle 10.
The above description of a vehicle 10 with pneumatic tires and a conventional air supply system is well known. The present invention is directed to providing an air control system 30 which is continuously connected to the pneumatic tires including the tires 16 an 18 on the vehicle 10 to provide an equal pressure thereby improving the safety of the vehicle 10 and operator, and to provide even and long life of the expensive tires. In particular, the air control system of the present invention is directed to providing air to each tire from the fixed air control system 30 through a rotatable coupling for allowing rotation of the tires such as 16 and 18 while connected to the air control system 30, and further to provide such a system through the driven axles, such as 12, of the vehicle 10.
Referring to FIG. 6, the air control system includes the air supply 24 which may have 120 psi air pressure, which may be connected to a manual off-on valve 42 for connecting or disconnecting the air control system, and a regulator 36. The air pressure regulator may be of any conventional type and is typically set at between 100-110 psi cold setting as this is the normal air pressure carried in the truck-trailer tires of an eighteen wheeler truck-trailer. One satisfactory type of air regulator is Model 56-110 sold by Air Dirco. The system 30 may include an unloader valve 46 which is normally open but closes in the event that the output air pressure from the pressure regulator 36 falls below a predetermined value. The unloader valve is normally open for supplying air to all of the tires and has a predetermined set point pressure lower than the predetermined outlet pressure and the unloader valve closes on a drop in outlet pressure of the air supply below the predetermined set point thereby shutting off air to all of the tires for preventing further loss of air from the air supply and opens upon an increase in outlet pressure of the air supply above the predetermined set point. This prevents loss of supply air thereby protecting the air supply 24 and allowing it to maintain sufficient air pressure to actuate the air brakes on the vehicle 10. One suitable unloader valve is No. 3X818, sold by Control Devices, Inc. The air line 38 provides the outlet air from the control system 30 to all of the tires.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, the means for providing air from the stationary control system 30 to the rotating wheels through a driven axle 12 is best seen. First, the axle 12 includes a coaxially longitudinally extending air passage 20 therein extending from the end 21 of the axle 12 to preferably midway through the axle 12. There, a radially extending air passage 13 is connected to the longitudinal passageway 20 and extends out of the side of the driven axle 12.
A rotatable air coupling is connected between the air line 38 and the radially extending air passageway 13. As best seen in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the rotatable air coupling generally includes a stationary tubular sleeve 22 surrounding the driven axle 12 and having a port 23 in fluid communication with the air line 38. Preferably, the tubular sleeve 22 has an interior 27 spaced from the exterior of the driven axle 12 and is supported from the vehicle 10 by the air line connection 38. Preferably, the sleeve 22 is metal and includes beveled ends 24 and 25, preferably hardened with a mirror finish. A first seal means 26 and a second seal means 28 are respectively positioned at opposite ends of the sleeve 22 and rotate with the axle 12 and sealingly engage the axle 12 such as by O-rings 40. The seal means 26 and 28 include beveled sealing surfaces 50 and 52 for coacting with the beveled surfaces 24 and 25, respectively, of the sleeve 22. Preferably, the beveled sealing surfaces 50 and 52 are of a good sealing but slidable surface such as graphite. The coacting beveled surfaces 50, 52, 24 and 25 act to center and support the sleeve 22 off of the axle 12.
Suitable means are provided for rotating the seal means 26 and 28 with the axle 12. Thus, rings 54 and 56 encircle the axle 12 and are secured thereto such a by Allenhead screws 58, which may be adjusted for wear as required, to the axle 12 and are interconnected with the seal means 26 and 28, respectively, by pins 60. In addition, biasing means are provided acting on the first and second rotating seal means 26 and 28 for urging them into a sealing engagement with the sleeve 22. Thus, springs 62 may be provided between the ring 54 and seal 26 and between the ring 56 and the seal means 28. Air from the control system 30 passes to line 38 which is in communication with the interior of the sleeve 22 to the port 23 and thus in communication with the air passageways 13 and 20 for supplying air to the tires 16 and 18. While the sleeve 22 is stationary, the rotating sleeves 26 and 28 maintain a sealing engagement with the opposite ends of the sleeve 22 as well as a sealing engagement with the exterior of the driven axle 12 to provide a long lasting rotating air coupling.
A suitable air connection is provided between the longitudinal air passageway 20 in the driven axle 12 and each tire 16 and 18 at the end of the axle 12 such as the connections disclosed in copending patent application Ser. No. 07/951,297. Thus, referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the air connection includes a tee 70 having a first 72 and a second 74 similar tire connections for two tires, such as 16 and 18. Thus, connected to the outer tire, such as tire 16, is a connection 51 consisting preferably of a male 76 and female 78 connectible and disconnectible coupling for conveniently disconnecting the tire 16 from the system 30 for repair or replacement. Also, the tire connection 72 includes a pressure test valve stem 80 for testing the air in the tire 16. A flexible hose 82 completes the connection 51 to the valve stem of the outside of the tire 16. Preferably, a conventional check valve, such as Model MJCV-1, sold by Control Devices, Inc. is included in the male connector 76. Tire connection 74 to the inside wheel 18 is also connected to the tee 54 and includes similar parts to those in the tire connection to the tire 16 which are similarly numbered with the addition of the suffix "a".
In use, the air control system of the present invention is installed in a vehicle 10 as described. The hand valve 42 is opened and air from the vehicle air supply 24 is supplied to the pressure regulator 36 and will flow through the air line 38 to the rotatable air coupling to the passageways 13 and 20 in the driven axle 12 and continuously supply air to all of the tires connected to the driven axle, such as 16 and 18.
The present invention, therefore, is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as others inherent therein. While a presently preferred embodiment of the invention has been given for the purpose of disclosure, numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts will be readily apparent to those skill in the art and which are encompassed within the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (4)

What is claimed is:
1. An air inflation system for tires on a vehicle having at least one driven axle with at least one pneumatic tire at each end of each axle and said vehicle having an air supply comprising,
an air line connected to the air supply,
said axle including a longitudinally extending air passageway therein, and a radially extending air passageway connected to the longitudinal passageway and extending out of the side of the axle,
an air connection between the longitudinal air passageway and at least one tire at the end of the axle, and
a rotatable air coupling connected between the air line and the radially extending air passageway including,
a stationary tubular sleeve surrounding the axle and having first and second ends and having a port in fluid communication between the air line and the radially extending air passageway,
first and second seal means positioned at and sealing against the first and second ends, respectively, of the sleeve, said first and second seal means rotatable with the axle and sealingly engaging the axle, said first and second seal means each including a longitudinally movable tubular member surrounding the axle and coaxially aligned with the sleeve, and said first and second seal means include beveled sealing surfaces and the ends of the sleeve include coacting beveled ends, and
spring means biasing the first and second seal means into sealing engagement with the first and second ends of the sleeve.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the inside of the tubular sleeve is spaced from the exterior of the axle.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the biasing means includes first and second rings respectively positioned adjacent to and connected to the first and second sealing means, said rings secured to and rotate with the axle and said spring means are positioned between the first and second rings and the first and second sealing means, respectively.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the sleeve is metal and sealing means include graphite sealing surfaces.
US08/154,066 1993-11-18 1993-11-18 Driven axle vehicle inflation system Expired - Lifetime US5377736A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/154,066 US5377736A (en) 1993-11-18 1993-11-18 Driven axle vehicle inflation system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/154,066 US5377736A (en) 1993-11-18 1993-11-18 Driven axle vehicle inflation system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US5377736A true US5377736A (en) 1995-01-03

Family

ID=22549860

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US08/154,066 Expired - Lifetime US5377736A (en) 1993-11-18 1993-11-18 Driven axle vehicle inflation system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US5377736A (en)

Cited By (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6105645A (en) * 1998-05-14 2000-08-22 Ingram; Anthony L. Rotary union assembly for use in air pressure inflation systems for tractor trailer tires
WO2001002196A1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-01-11 Pressure Guard, Inc. On-axle tire inflation system
US6220325B1 (en) * 1997-12-20 2001-04-24 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Air guide for a tire pressure regulating device
US6260595B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2001-07-17 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, Llc Unitized hub cap
US6286565B1 (en) * 2000-08-25 2001-09-11 Zebulen Pike Central tire inflation system and method
US6325124B1 (en) * 2000-02-03 2001-12-04 Col-Ven S.A. Pneumatic rotary wheel coupling
US6394159B1 (en) 2001-01-26 2002-05-28 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, Llc Hub cap filter for tire inflation system
US6435238B1 (en) * 2001-03-22 2002-08-20 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Combination of an automatic tire inflation system and anti-locking braking system
US6705369B1 (en) * 2002-02-22 2004-03-16 Vincent T. Russell Deformable valve extension support with retention flanges
US20040244896A1 (en) * 2003-06-09 2004-12-09 Jarrett Larry G. Expandable spindle plug assembly for use with automatic tire inflation systems
US20050161136A1 (en) * 2004-01-27 2005-07-28 Hayes Brian D. Central tire inflation system for drive axle
US20050179314A1 (en) * 2003-08-22 2005-08-18 Bence Csak Trailer and semi-trailer braking system
US20060018766A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-01-26 Stanczak Edmund A Tire inflation system with pressure limiter
US7201066B1 (en) 2005-03-30 2007-04-10 The Board Of Regents For Oklahoma State University System for automatic tire inflation
US20080127773A1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2008-06-05 Solie John B Apparatus for delivering air through powered axle assemblies
US20090283190A1 (en) * 2008-05-16 2009-11-19 Hendrickson Usa, L.L.C. Integrated rotary union and hub cap
US7918462B1 (en) * 2006-02-14 2011-04-05 Star Field Fit, Inc. System and method for facilitating turbine labyrinth packing
US20110180192A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-28 Stech Clyde G Drive axle seal body and tire inflation system
US8028732B1 (en) 1998-05-14 2011-10-04 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire inflation system
US20120032793A1 (en) * 2010-07-30 2012-02-09 Frank Joseph Sonzala Visual wheel end assembly high-temperature warning system
US20120067482A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2012-03-22 Stech Clyde G Axle to axle sealed airway for an onboard automatic tire inflation system
WO2012071579A1 (en) 2010-11-24 2012-05-31 Fleet Technologies Llc Axle to axle sealed airway for an onboard automatic tire inflation system
US20120318422A1 (en) * 2011-06-15 2012-12-20 Lloyd Jefffrey M Rotating seal assembly for tire inflation system
US8910683B2 (en) 2010-07-29 2014-12-16 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Steer axle high-temperature warning system
US8919401B2 (en) 2003-09-09 2014-12-30 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Wheel end assembly high-temperature warning system
US9370974B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-06-21 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc Assembly for a tire inflation system
US9375985B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2016-06-28 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Valve stem with auxiliary port
US9789739B1 (en) 2013-04-23 2017-10-17 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Small trailer tire inflation system
US9908373B2 (en) 2010-06-21 2018-03-06 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Rotary air connection with central valve for tire inflation system
US10005325B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2018-06-26 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US10086660B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2018-10-02 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US10343467B1 (en) 2016-11-08 2019-07-09 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire inflation system safety valve
US10471782B2 (en) 2015-03-05 2019-11-12 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Steer axle tire inflation system
US10543849B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-01-28 Airgo Ip, Llc Vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system
US10556469B2 (en) 2015-09-17 2020-02-11 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc Hub cap assembly and a wheel end assembly for a tire inflation system
US10562357B2 (en) 2015-06-12 2020-02-18 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc Rotary joint air collector ring and the tire inflation system made therewith
US10562356B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2020-02-18 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Rotary union for tire inflation system
US10596864B1 (en) 2016-11-08 2020-03-24 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire inflation system safety valve
US10596863B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-03-24 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US10596862B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-03-24 Airgo Ip, Llc Dynamic wheel management system
US10647169B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-05-12 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US10696106B2 (en) 2013-10-23 2020-06-30 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Rotary union for automatic tire inflation system
US10766316B1 (en) 2016-11-08 2020-09-08 Airgo Ip, Llc Combination in line tire pressure measurement sensor and tire pressure safety valve
US11254170B2 (en) 2017-04-13 2022-02-22 Tesla, Inc. Automatic tire inflation system with thru-hub air feed
US11654928B2 (en) 2020-07-28 2023-05-23 Airgo Ip, Llc Vehicle operational diagnostics, condition response, vehicle pairing, and blind spot detection system
US11685201B2 (en) 2016-10-19 2023-06-27 Pressure Systems International, Llc Inflation manifold
US11752810B2 (en) 2020-07-28 2023-09-12 Airgo Ip, Llc Steer axle pressure management system
US12014583B2 (en) 2020-07-28 2024-06-18 Airgo Ip, Llc Vehicle operational diagnostics and trailer health status system combination

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US693747A (en) * 1901-07-08 1902-02-18 John William Sinnott Tire-inflating device for vehicles.
US2976906A (en) * 1958-09-10 1961-03-28 Wunibald I E Kamm Tire pressure control device
US3705614A (en) * 1969-07-28 1972-12-12 Graubremse Gmbh Tire equipped vehicle wheel to be connected with a tire air filling device carried by the vehicle
US3760859A (en) * 1972-02-08 1973-09-25 Dilar Inc Air pressure control for dual tires
US4582107A (en) * 1984-07-26 1986-04-15 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Vehicle tire inflation-deflation mechanism
US4685501A (en) * 1986-03-06 1987-08-11 Williams Donald E Remotely controlled inflation/deflation valve system for a vehicle tire
US4844138A (en) * 1986-09-01 1989-07-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Automobile tire pneumatic pressure controlling apparatus
US4883106A (en) * 1989-01-19 1989-11-28 Eaton Corporation Rotary wheel-end assembly for tire inflation system
US5080157A (en) * 1985-12-04 1992-01-14 Man Nutzfahrzeuge Ag Seal for use between relatively rotating members
US5080156A (en) * 1990-02-12 1992-01-14 Bartos Josef A Vehicle wheel and axle assembly for controlling air pressure in tires with spaces between the bearing elements and the race members included in the air flow path
US5174839A (en) * 1991-07-05 1992-12-29 Eaton Corporation Drive axle sleeve and seal assembly

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US693747A (en) * 1901-07-08 1902-02-18 John William Sinnott Tire-inflating device for vehicles.
US2976906A (en) * 1958-09-10 1961-03-28 Wunibald I E Kamm Tire pressure control device
US3705614A (en) * 1969-07-28 1972-12-12 Graubremse Gmbh Tire equipped vehicle wheel to be connected with a tire air filling device carried by the vehicle
US3760859A (en) * 1972-02-08 1973-09-25 Dilar Inc Air pressure control for dual tires
US4582107A (en) * 1984-07-26 1986-04-15 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Vehicle tire inflation-deflation mechanism
US5080157A (en) * 1985-12-04 1992-01-14 Man Nutzfahrzeuge Ag Seal for use between relatively rotating members
US4685501A (en) * 1986-03-06 1987-08-11 Williams Donald E Remotely controlled inflation/deflation valve system for a vehicle tire
US4844138A (en) * 1986-09-01 1989-07-04 Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai Rika Denki Seisakusho Automobile tire pneumatic pressure controlling apparatus
US4883106A (en) * 1989-01-19 1989-11-28 Eaton Corporation Rotary wheel-end assembly for tire inflation system
US5080156A (en) * 1990-02-12 1992-01-14 Bartos Josef A Vehicle wheel and axle assembly for controlling air pressure in tires with spaces between the bearing elements and the race members included in the air flow path
US5174839A (en) * 1991-07-05 1992-12-29 Eaton Corporation Drive axle sleeve and seal assembly

Cited By (74)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6220325B1 (en) * 1997-12-20 2001-04-24 Zf Friedrichshafen Ag Air guide for a tire pressure regulating device
US6105645A (en) * 1998-05-14 2000-08-22 Ingram; Anthony L. Rotary union assembly for use in air pressure inflation systems for tractor trailer tires
US7975739B1 (en) 1998-05-14 2011-07-12 Airgo Ip, Llc Rotary union assembly for use in air pressure inflation systems for tractor trailer tires
US8028732B1 (en) 1998-05-14 2011-10-04 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire inflation system
WO2001002196A1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2001-01-11 Pressure Guard, Inc. On-axle tire inflation system
US6425427B1 (en) * 1999-07-02 2002-07-30 Innovative Transportation Products, Inc. On-axle tire inflation system
US6260595B1 (en) * 1999-08-04 2001-07-17 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems, Llc Unitized hub cap
US6325124B1 (en) * 2000-02-03 2001-12-04 Col-Ven S.A. Pneumatic rotary wheel coupling
US6286565B1 (en) * 2000-08-25 2001-09-11 Zebulen Pike Central tire inflation system and method
US6394159B1 (en) 2001-01-26 2002-05-28 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, Llc Hub cap filter for tire inflation system
US6871683B2 (en) 2001-01-26 2005-03-29 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, Llc Hub cap filter for tire inflation system
WO2002076771A1 (en) * 2001-03-22 2002-10-03 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Combination of an automatic tire inflation system and anti-locking braking system
US6435238B1 (en) * 2001-03-22 2002-08-20 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Combination of an automatic tire inflation system and anti-locking braking system
US6705369B1 (en) * 2002-02-22 2004-03-16 Vincent T. Russell Deformable valve extension support with retention flanges
US6938658B2 (en) * 2003-06-09 2005-09-06 Airgo Ip, Llc Expandable spindle plug assembly for use with automatic tire inflation systems
US20040244896A1 (en) * 2003-06-09 2004-12-09 Jarrett Larry G. Expandable spindle plug assembly for use with automatic tire inflation systems
US20050115655A1 (en) * 2003-06-09 2005-06-02 Jarrett Larry G. Expandable spindle plug assembly for use with automatic tire inflation systems
US7117909B2 (en) 2003-06-09 2006-10-10 Airgo Ip, Llc Expandable spindle plug assembly for use with automatic tire inflation systems
US20050179314A1 (en) * 2003-08-22 2005-08-18 Bence Csak Trailer and semi-trailer braking system
US8919401B2 (en) 2003-09-09 2014-12-30 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Wheel end assembly high-temperature warning system
US20050161136A1 (en) * 2004-01-27 2005-07-28 Hayes Brian D. Central tire inflation system for drive axle
CN100393538C (en) * 2004-01-27 2008-06-11 阿文美驰技术有限责任公司 Central tire inflation system for drive axle
US7185688B2 (en) 2004-01-27 2007-03-06 Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc Central tire inflation system for drive axle
US20060018766A1 (en) * 2004-07-21 2006-01-26 Stanczak Edmund A Tire inflation system with pressure limiter
US8245746B2 (en) 2004-07-21 2012-08-21 Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc Tire inflation system with pressure limiter
US7201066B1 (en) 2005-03-30 2007-04-10 The Board Of Regents For Oklahoma State University System for automatic tire inflation
US7918462B1 (en) * 2006-02-14 2011-04-05 Star Field Fit, Inc. System and method for facilitating turbine labyrinth packing
US7918461B1 (en) * 2006-02-14 2011-04-05 Star Field Fit, Inc. System and method for facilitating turbine labyrinth packing
US20080127773A1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2008-06-05 Solie John B Apparatus for delivering air through powered axle assemblies
US7896045B2 (en) 2006-11-13 2011-03-01 The Board Of Regents For Oklahoma State University Apparatus for delivering air through powered axle assemblies
US20090283190A1 (en) * 2008-05-16 2009-11-19 Hendrickson Usa, L.L.C. Integrated rotary union and hub cap
US8505600B2 (en) 2008-05-16 2013-08-13 Hendrickson Usa, L.L.C. Integrated rotary union and hub cap
CN102821982A (en) * 2010-01-25 2012-12-12 富力特科技公司 Drive axle seal body and tire inflation system
US20120067482A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2012-03-22 Stech Clyde G Axle to axle sealed airway for an onboard automatic tire inflation system
US8327895B2 (en) 2010-01-25 2012-12-11 Fleet Technologies Llc Drive axle seal body and tire inflation system
WO2011090787A1 (en) 2010-01-25 2011-07-28 Fleet Technologies Llc Drive axle seal body and tire inflation system
US8869850B2 (en) * 2010-01-25 2014-10-28 Fleet Technologies, LLC Axle to axle sealed airway for an onboard automatic tire inflation system
US20110180192A1 (en) * 2010-01-25 2011-07-28 Stech Clyde G Drive axle seal body and tire inflation system
US9908373B2 (en) 2010-06-21 2018-03-06 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Rotary air connection with central valve for tire inflation system
US10179484B2 (en) 2010-07-29 2019-01-15 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Steer axle high-temperature warning system
US9789730B2 (en) 2010-07-29 2017-10-17 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Steer axle high-temperature warning system
US10668777B2 (en) 2010-07-29 2020-06-02 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Steer axle tire inflation system
US8910683B2 (en) 2010-07-29 2014-12-16 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Steer axle high-temperature warning system
US20120032793A1 (en) * 2010-07-30 2012-02-09 Frank Joseph Sonzala Visual wheel end assembly high-temperature warning system
US9375985B2 (en) 2010-08-23 2016-06-28 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Valve stem with auxiliary port
CN103328234A (en) * 2010-11-24 2013-09-25 弗利特科技有限责任公司 Axle to axle sealed airway for an onboard automatic tire inflation system
WO2012071579A1 (en) 2010-11-24 2012-05-31 Fleet Technologies Llc Axle to axle sealed airway for an onboard automatic tire inflation system
US8746305B2 (en) * 2011-06-15 2014-06-10 Arvinmeritor Technology, Llc Rotating seal assembly for tire inflation system
US20120318422A1 (en) * 2011-06-15 2012-12-20 Lloyd Jefffrey M Rotating seal assembly for tire inflation system
US9370974B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2016-06-21 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc Assembly for a tire inflation system
US10239364B2 (en) 2013-04-23 2019-03-26 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Small trailer tire inflation system
US9789739B1 (en) 2013-04-23 2017-10-17 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Small trailer tire inflation system
US10166821B2 (en) 2013-04-23 2019-01-01 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Small trailer tire inflation system
US10696106B2 (en) 2013-10-23 2020-06-30 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Rotary union for automatic tire inflation system
US10562356B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2020-02-18 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Rotary union for tire inflation system
US11813898B2 (en) 2013-11-11 2023-11-14 Pressure Systems International, Llc Rotary union for tire inflation system
US10471782B2 (en) 2015-03-05 2019-11-12 Equalaire Systems, Inc. Steer axle tire inflation system
US10562357B2 (en) 2015-06-12 2020-02-18 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc Rotary joint air collector ring and the tire inflation system made therewith
US10556469B2 (en) 2015-09-17 2020-02-11 Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc Hub cap assembly and a wheel end assembly for a tire inflation system
US10596863B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-03-24 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US10005325B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2018-06-26 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US10543849B2 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-01-28 Airgo Ip, Llc Vehicle operational diagnostics and condition response system
US10596862B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-03-24 Airgo Ip, Llc Dynamic wheel management system
US10647169B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2020-05-12 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US10086660B1 (en) 2016-03-31 2018-10-02 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire pressure management system
US11685201B2 (en) 2016-10-19 2023-06-27 Pressure Systems International, Llc Inflation manifold
US11738611B2 (en) 2016-10-19 2023-08-29 Pressure Systems International, Llc Fluid conduits including pressure sensors
US10766316B1 (en) 2016-11-08 2020-09-08 Airgo Ip, Llc Combination in line tire pressure measurement sensor and tire pressure safety valve
US10596864B1 (en) 2016-11-08 2020-03-24 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire inflation system safety valve
US10343467B1 (en) 2016-11-08 2019-07-09 Airgo Ip, Llc Tire inflation system safety valve
US11254170B2 (en) 2017-04-13 2022-02-22 Tesla, Inc. Automatic tire inflation system with thru-hub air feed
US11654928B2 (en) 2020-07-28 2023-05-23 Airgo Ip, Llc Vehicle operational diagnostics, condition response, vehicle pairing, and blind spot detection system
US11752810B2 (en) 2020-07-28 2023-09-12 Airgo Ip, Llc Steer axle pressure management system
US12014583B2 (en) 2020-07-28 2024-06-18 Airgo Ip, Llc Vehicle operational diagnostics and trailer health status system combination

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5377736A (en) Driven axle vehicle inflation system
US5287906A (en) Air control system for pneumatic tires on a vehicle
AU773341B2 (en) Axle and hub assembly for automatic tire inflation pressurization system
US2685906A (en) Running inflation and deflation system
US6585019B1 (en) Rotary union assembly for use in air pressure inflation systems for tractor trailer tires
US3276503A (en) Tire pressure maintenance system
US2693841A (en) Tire inflation and deflation system
US6425427B1 (en) On-axle tire inflation system
US6484774B1 (en) Vehicle tire inflation system
US9908373B2 (en) Rotary air connection with central valve for tire inflation system
US20050133134A1 (en) Rotary union assembly for use in air pressure inflation systems for tractor trailer tires
NO155568B (en) SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATIC PUMPING OF WHEEL TIRES.
US9561694B2 (en) Failure tolerant tire inflation system
US1492838A (en) Device for transmitting compressed air to automob ile tires
JPH0327402B2 (en)
NO872338L (en) HYDRAULIC OR PNEUMATIC PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE AND ITS USE IN EQUIPMENT FOR REGULATING TIRE PRESSURE ON VEHICLES DURING OPERATION.
US5158122A (en) Dual pneumatic tire inflator
US20020170597A1 (en) Pressure-controlled three-way valve device for transport vehicle tires and remote pressure control method
US4598750A (en) Tire inflation/deflation system
US4037638A (en) Emergency kit for vehicle tires
US6286565B1 (en) Central tire inflation system and method
US20190299726A1 (en) Inflation viewing device
US4820166A (en) Apparatus and system for selectively deflating tires, and causing power steering and power brake failures for training drivers
GB2087804A (en) Apparatus for equalizing the pressures of pneumatic tyres
CN115257255A (en) Tire inflation and deflation device and vehicle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MARKS-RMS, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:STECH, CLYDE G.;REEL/FRAME:006785/0550

Effective date: 19931103

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PETITION RELATED TO MAINTENANCE FEES FILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: PMFP); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PETITION RELATED TO MAINTENANCE FEES GRANTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: PMFG); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

AS Assignment

Owner name: EQUALAIRE SYSTEMS, INC., TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MARKS-RMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:009764/0287

Effective date: 19990111

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 19990103

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

SULP Surcharge for late payment
PRDP Patent reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance fee

Effective date: 19990604

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PAYER NUMBER DE-ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: RMPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY

REIN Reinstatement after maintenance fee payment confirmed
FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20070103

PRDP Patent reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance fee

Effective date: 20070822

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 12

STCF Information on status: patent grant

Free format text: PATENTED CASE

SULP Surcharge for late payment
AS Assignment

Owner name: PRESSURE SYSTEMS INTERNATIONAL, LLC, TEXAS

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:EQUALAIRE SYSTEMS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:060667/0237

Effective date: 20220701